Major update in Chad Daybell’s murder trial as he appears in court hearing just minutes after ‘cult mom’ Lori Vallow

CHAD Daybell is one step closer to trial after a potential date was set moments after “cult mom” Lori Vallow walked out of the courtroom.

The couple is accused of murdering Lori’s children JJ, seven, and Tylee, 16, and conspiring to kill Chad’s wife Tammy, who passed away shortly before they married.

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While 49-year-old Lori’s highly anticipated murder trial began weeks ago, Chad, 54, has yet to face a jury as he opted out of a speedy trial.

The two were originally going to be tried together but a judge agreed to have two separate trials due to DNA evidence that was presented.

Chad’s lawyers traveled to the Boise court for a hearing to discuss when his trial should begin, while the accused appeared remotely from the Fremont County Jail, Court TV reported.

Reporters at the scene said that Chad looked solemn and barely moved, only blinking while his lawyers discussed proceedings.

The defense asked that his trial begin in May 2024 but the judge said prosecutors had a conflict and suggested they begin in June.

Chad’s team said that they expect the trial to last around 12 weeks and they plan to call seven or eight expert witnesses to the stand.

They added that they would have to listen to audio of Lori’s entire trial before they are ready to present a case.

Chad was implicated in the murders of JJ and Tylee after their bodies were discovered on his Idaho property in June 2020, months after they disappeared.

The kids vanished in September 2019 while Lori and Chad gallivanted around Hawaii and celebrated their recent marriage.

The two were seeking out supporters for their alleged cult, which was based on Chad’s doomsday teachings loosely tied to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Lori was arrested in February 2020 for failing to report a missing child, and Chad was taken in months later after the remains were discovered.

Authorities got a warrant to search his property and found the children’s remains buried in makeshift graves.

The bodies were discovered in a vault which is typically built to weigh down remains and prevent them from coming to the surface.

Daybell worked as a gravedigger before he began writing about and podcasting his strange religious beliefs full-time.

A crime scene expert told The U.S. Sun that Daybell could have believed his “expertise” would save him from getting caught.

Chad is also accused of killing his wife Tammy, who was restrained before she died of asphyxiation, the medical examiner revealed in Lori’s trial.

Speaking to Court TV, Tammy Daybell’s aunt said that she was disappointed that Chad’s trial was delayed and called on the suspect to reveal what happened.

“When they start talking about dates that are so far away for his trial, I just implore him – tell the truth,” Vicki Hoban said.

“Come forth, do the right thing. Don’t put us through another one of these. It’s not fair. Chad, do the right thing.”

The exact start date for Chad’s trial has not been set.

On May 25, 2021, an Idaho grand jury indicted Lori and Chad on several counts, including first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and grand theft in connection to the children’s deaths.

Lori and Chad both pleaded not guilty to all murder, conspiracy, and grand theft charges, and have maintained their innocence as her trial continues.

Chad could still face the death penalty.